Monterey County named one of world's top 10 wine travel destinations

Winemaker Sabrine Rodems said her fellow alumni from UC Davis often question why she went to Monterey County after graduation.

As a student in the university's viticulture and enology department, Rodems watched most of her colleagues head straight to Napa and Sonoma counties.

For nearly nine years, she has been an advocate for Monterey County wines as an employee of Wrath Wines in Soledad and as a board member of the county Vintners and Growers Association.

She had one word to describe an announcement Tuesday from Wine Enthusiast Magazine: "Finally."

The publication named Monterey County as one of the top 10 wine travel destinations in the world — a move the county's tourism agency says could be a game changer.

"We're making a big deal out of it," said Tammy Blount, president and CEO of the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Officials were hesitant to say how much tourism could increase from the designation, but were clearly excited.

"I would hope that (the distinction) is just going to be another really great feather in our quiver," Blount said.

Wine Enthusiast Magazine chose its destinations on more than just wine. They look at travel infrastructure, overall cultural experience and if it is a good time for visitors to come to a region.

The magazine cited Big Sur, 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf as some of the activities to do outside of drinking.

"In short, Monterey has diverse draws for wine-oriented visitors," it said. "Glamorous resorts dot the county, featuring world-class cuisine, stellar local wines and full spas that pamper with style."

Blount was pleased to beat Napa and Sonoma, but hesitant to rub it in.

"While of course we want to outrank our competing destinations," she said, "we see them as good partners. ... A rising tide floats all boats."

The magazine, which hits news stands Wednesday, has been published since 1988. Its website claims it is the world's largest periodical devoted exclusively to wine and spirits.

Wine Enthusiast Magazine has an annual audience of 813,000 — and most are affluent, according to its 2013 media kit. More than 80 percent of its readers have a college degree, 74 percent are employed and 65 percent earn more than $75,000 a year.

Michael L. Thomas, co-owner of Wrath Wines, said he could not say for certain if the magazine would make a big impact.

"It can't hurt," he said. "But it is one more burden of proof of how great Monterey is."